Downtown Eugene Dog Ban Approved, Smoking Still Okay

Eugene City Councilors Wednesday approved a pilot ban on dogs in the downtown core. They voted against banning smoking. Both proposals are aimed at addressing public safety issues.

A dog sleeping on a downtown Eugene sidewalk.

Credit Rachael McDonald

The vote was 6-2 in favor of keeping dogs off sidewalks and rights-of-way downtown. Councilors Betty Taylor and Emily Semple were the no votes. Semple said the ordinance will be a hardship for people who don’t have homes.“Because they have nowhere to leave their dog." Semple said, " They can’t abandon it. Its companionship, protection and warmth.”

Councilors Wednesday approved an amendment to the dog ordinance that exempts the Dining Room at the corner of 8th and Lincoln from the dog ban.

Credit City of Eugene

The City Council is trying to address public safety problems in downtown Eugene. The city banned dogs from the University area about 20 years ago and police say it improved people’s behavior. Dog owners who live or work downtown will be exempted from the ban which sunsets in November. Only 3 councilors: Greg Evans, Claire Syrett and Alan Zelenka voted for the smoking ban. Many on the council were concerned about how it would affect businesses.

The pilot dog ordinance will be effective in 30 days. It's set to expire in November. The City Council will decide whether to renew or amend it in the fall.

Eugene City Councilors discuss proposed bans on dogs and smoking in downtown core at Wednesday work session.

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In an effort to improve safety and livability, Eugene City Councilors are considering restrictions on smoking and dogs in the downtown core. There is support for the proposals but a feeling there’s more that can be done to improve what’s become a sketchy neighborhood.

The Eugene City Council is considering restricting smoking and dogs downtown in an attempt to make the neighborhood safer. The council will hear from the public on the two proposals at its February 27th meeting.